Senior Director of Government Affairs and Business Policy

Introduction

NACUBO is committed to diversity because it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission, just as it does for institutions of higher education. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work.

Creativity and cross-team collaboration drive NACUBO’s achievements and contribute to individual success. All staff members are encouraged to think creatively about how they and NACUBO can address mission, member needs, and challenges that will inevitably arise from time to time. They are also encouraged to develop and nurture strong partnerships throughout the association. These partnerships help individuals, teams, and the association accomplish the activities, goals and strategies of the organization and of individual positions.

Imagination, innovation, and curiosity are welcome, and all require some risk taking. NACUBO encourages staff to engage in bold thinking, to put forward new ideas and proposals, and to openly debate the risks – upside and downside – associated with new ideas.

Each member of the NACUBO staff is responsible for creating and sustaining esprit de corps across the organization.

To accomplish all of this, staff will need strong communication and strategic thinking skills. NACUBO is committed to nurturing these skills in all staff members.

The Senior Director of Government Affairs and Business Policy serves as an advocate, analyst, and strategist for a national higher education association focused on the business and financial operations of colleges and universities. This position leads NACUBO’s work on higher education and research‑related business and finance issues, with a primary focus on federal tax policy. Other areas of policy engagement may include risk management, student athletics, employer issues, and technology transfer.

The Senior Director provides strategic leadership, expert analysis, and advocacy to ensure that NACUBO members are represented and supported on complex business and tax policy issues affecting institutional financial sustainability and compliance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as NACUBO’s in‑house expert on tax policy and other research‑related business and finance issues impacting colleges and universities.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative and regulatory developments related to taxation, labor relations, intercollegiate athletics and other higher education business issues.
• Lead NACUBO’s policy development and advocacy efforts in these areas, preparing comment letters, policy analyses, and strategies for communications with federal agencies and Congress.
• Provide timely updates, analyses, and strategic recommendations to NACUBO leadership and members on key policy developments.

• Represent NACUBO before Congress, the Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other federal agencies on issues affecting the tax‑exempt status, operations, and financial management of higher education institutions.
• Advocate for policies that support effective stewardship of institutional resources, promote innovation and compliance, and strengthen colleges’ and universities’ roles in education and research.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with policymakers, federal officials, and higher education associations.

• Serve as the staff liaison to and coordinator of NACUBO’s Tax Council, facilitating council discussions, policy input, and strategic direction on federal tax issues.
• Serve as the content lead and program planning committee coordinator for NACUBO’s annual Tax Forum, ensuring the conference reflects emerging policy priorities and delivers high‑quality, relevant professional education.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and…